The Football Association (FA) has recently launched a safeguarding inquiry into a Premier League club official following a year-old BBC investigation. Despite three women reporting the official to the police for alleged sexual offenses, he continued to work at the club. One of the women, who was under 16 at the time of the alleged incident, criticized the FA for failing to take action to protect women and girls.
The FA initiated its own investigation after the police decided not to pursue further action. A spokesperson for the FA mentioned that robust safeguarding measures are in place, although they do not comment on specific cases. In an email obtained by the BBC, one of the complainants, known as Kate, was invited to share her experiences as part of the safeguarding probe. However, the FA informed her that details and outcomes of the investigation would not be disclosed.
Kate had initially contacted the FA in July 2023, alleging a past rape by the official when she was 15. She expressed her frustration with the delayed response from the FA and stated that football authorities and the government had failed to protect females from the threats posed by the official.
Although Kate is relieved that the investigation has commenced, she is concerned about the lack of transparency regarding any actions taken. The official had previously been investigated in 2021 for allegedly sexually molesting another 15-year-old in the 1990s, but no further action was taken due to legal limitations.
A third woman interviewed by the BBC recounted a disturbing experience with the official in the late 1990s, where he tried to pressure her into sexual activity during a job interview. Despite these allegations, all three investigations against the official have been closed by the police.
The BBC investigation also revealed that since 2020, seven out of twenty Premier League clubs have had players or staff investigated for sexual misconduct. The FA’s current regulations only cover responses to such allegations that occur in a “football environment” or involve children or vulnerable individuals.
The FA can issue an interim suspension order if they believe an individual poses a risk of harm, prohibiting them from engaging in football activities while an inquiry is ongoing. The new investigation into the Premier League club official will be led by the FA’s professional game safeguarding manager.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the FA emphasized their commitment to investigating and addressing all allegations of individuals who may pose a risk of harm in football. They reassured that they can impose appropriate safeguarding measures in accordance with FA regulations to protect children and adults at risk in the sport.
